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Graduating from a Canadian institution and hoping for a Canada PR or work experience? Your Canada student visa journey now depends not only on your institution but also your field of study. Here’s the latest on PGWP eligibility under immigration Canada, effective June  25, 2025.

What’s a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit allows international students who complete eligible studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to gain valuable Canadian work experience. It can be valid for up to 3 years, depending on program length and timing

New Field-of-Study Rules (Non-Degree Programs)

As of November  1, 2024, students in non-degree programs (certificates, diplomas, trade programs, graduate certificates) must graduate from an eligible field of study to qualify for a PGWP

June 25, 2025 Update:

· +119 newly eligible fields in health care, social services, education, and trades

· –178 previously eligible fields removed as they no longer align with labour shortages

· Total eligible CIP fields now number 920

Note: Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025 are grandfathered in—if their field was eligible at the time of application, they remain eligible.

Who Doesn’t Need to Meet the Field Requirement?

You’re exempt if any of the following apply:

1. You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024

2. You submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024

3. You graduated from a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program

4. You graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school

How to Check Eligibility & Prepare

1. Identify your CIP code via your DLI’s program details

2. Verify eligibility using IRCC’s “Currently Eligible CIP Codes” database

3. Language requirement: some programs now require CLB 7 (universities) or CLB 5 (colleges)

4. Passport validity: ensure it covers the full PGWP duration; renew early if needed

What It Means for Your Path to Canada PR

· A PGWP is often a key step toward applying for Canada PR.

· Field-of-study eligibility ensures that Canadian immigration aligns with labour market demands, especially in priority areas like health care, education, and skilled trades

· If your program lost eligibility, you might explore alternative DLI options or pursue degrees without field restrictions.

Bottom Line for International Graduates

· Review your study program’s CIP code and current PGWP eligibility before you start or apply for your Canada student visa.

· Apply for your PGWP early once you graduate—or before your current permit expires.

· Plan ahead: studying in an eligible field can directly impact your eligibility for a work permit and future Canada PR.

Need Help Navigating Your Canada Visa Application?

If you're unsure whether your program qualifies under the new PGWP field-of-study requirements, the experts at Caerus Immigration Consulting Ltd. can help.

Caerus Immigration is a trusted Canadian immigration consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complex pathways to studying, working, and settling in Canada. Whether you're exploring permanent residency, work permits, student visas, or business immigration programs, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us directly at mark@caerusimmigration.com to schedule a personalized consultation and discover the best immigration options for your situation.

External Links:

· IRCC PGWP Overview & language/passport rules (Field of study requirement, About PGWP)

· List of eligible CIP codes (Eligible CIP Codes)

Canada Immigration: What You Need to Know About Post-Graduation Work Permit & New Field-of-Study Requirements